KAREN LEINHAUSER
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Narberth
Summary
Professional with substantial background in psychiatric and mental health services, delivering impactful patient care. Skilled in patient assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions, with a passion for emerging evidenced-based modalities and translating research into practice. Collaborative team player, adaptable to changing needs, and reliable in achieving results. Known for excellent communication, empathy, family engagement, and critical thinking skills.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
36
36
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Child & Family Focus Inc.
01.2020 - Current
- Provide psychiatric care in both school-based and outpatient settings, treating children, adolescents and young adults with complex psychiatric needs, including mood disorders, psychosis, neurodevelopmental disorders, trauma, and behavioral dysregulation.
- Serve as Team Lead in a multi-county First Episode Psychosis (FEP) program, implementing early intervention protocols, and collaborating across disciplines.
- Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and treatment planning, guided by the DSM-5, developmental science.
- Manage psychopharmacologic treatment with a focus on safety, education, and adherence in pediatric and adolescent populations.
- Integrate evidence-based psychotherapy modalities into clinical care.
- Partner with educators, care coordinators, and families to deliver services that support continuity of care and functional recovery.
- Lead family education and engagement around psychiatric illness, medication management, and prognosis.
- Advocated for patient rights and autonomy in treatment decisions, ensuring ethical standards were upheld in all aspects of psychiatric care.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by implementing evidence-based interventions focused on relapse prevention and management strategies.
- Increased patient satisfaction through providing compassionate, holistic care and addressing the unique concerns of each individual.
- Implemented culturally sensitive care approaches when working with diverse patient populations to ensure equitable access to quality mental healthcare services.
- Educate and engage families on diagnosis, medications, and prognosis.
Psychiatric Clinical Nurse
Belmont Behavioral Health Hospital
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Medication Management and Crisis Intervention Across the Lifespan in an Acute Inpatient Setting.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient outcomes and efficient care coordination.
- Provided clinical oversight and support to health care teams.
- Facilitated patient and family education and counseling.
- Served as a patient advocate, ensuring individual needs were met and concerns addressed promptly.
- Handled patient admissions and discharge planning, arranging for follow-up care after leaving the healthcare facility.
- Responded to patient emergencies to provide prompt and correct intervention .
- Educated patients and families to increase understanding of condition and best ways to manage.
- Increased patient satisfaction scores through consistent delivery of compassionate and culturally competent care.
Education
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nursing Leadership And Management
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 05.2001 - 09.2026
Master of Science in Nursing - PMHNP
Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, United States 01.2017 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA 01.1988 - 12.1990
Bachelor of Arts - English
Saint Joseph’s University
Philadelphia, United States 01.1980 - 12.1984
Skills
Psychopharmacology expertise in the treatment of complex, multi-diagnostic presentations
Recognized strength in building trust-based relationships with patients, caregivers, and families
Stakeholder collaboration & Quality Assurance initiatives in alternative school settings
Research-driven approach to emerging, evidence-based psychopharmacology and treatment modalities
Psychotherapy techniques, CBT and DBT
Individualized evidenced-based treatment planning
Trauma-informed care practices
Risk assessment, crisis prevention and intervention
Clinical leadership in first episode psychosis
Team-based care development
Diverse cultural competency
Behavioral therapy, ABA integration, behavioral health technician (BHT) collaboration
Health promotion, patient education, and wellness advocacy
Telehealth psychiatry
Affiliations
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) – Member
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) – Member
- Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (PCNP) – Member
- American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) – Member
Certifications And Licensure
- Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) – PMHNP-BC
- Registered Nurse (RN) – Active Pennsylvania License
- DEA Registration – Schedules II–V
Clinical Resources
- UpToDate – Clinical Decision Support Resource
- The Carlat Psychiatry Report – Evidence-Based Clinical Updates
- Neuroscience Education Institute (NEI)
Additional Credentials
Education Specialist I Certification (PK–12 School Nurse), Eastern University, 2016
Credentials
- MSN
- PMHNP-BC
Leadership Experience
- Parenting & Developmental Support, Raised seven children while fostering emotional growth, educational support, and resilience through all stages of development.
- Global Health Volunteer – El Salvador, Contributed to health education and community-based outreach initiatives in underserved rural areas.
Timeline
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Child & Family Focus Inc.
01.2020 - Current
Psychiatric Clinical Nurse
Belmont Behavioral Health Hospital
01.2018 - 01.2020
Master of Science in Nursing - PMHNP
Wilkes University
01.2017 - 12.2019
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nursing Leadership And Management
West Chester University
05.2001 - 09.2026
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Thomas Jefferson University
01.1988 - 12.1990
Bachelor of Arts - English
Saint Joseph’s University
01.1980 - 12.1984